The run-up to the 2008-2009 season begins in earnest tomorrow (Tuesday) when the Ryman League fixtures are scheduled to be published and Sutton play their opening friendly against Croydon Athletic at the Keith Tuckey Stadium (k.o. 7.45). It will be the first chance for U's supporters to see their new signings in action, with manager Paul Doswell also taking the chance to look at a few triallists, with strikers Walid Matata and Steffan Gaisie both likely to feature in attack at some stage of the evening. Goalkeeper Paul Nicholls, defenders Alan Bray and Chris Collins and midfielder Craig Davis are all unavailable, but should all be involved in Saturday’s game at Bromley, while striker Steve Watts may not appear in the early friendlies to ensure that he has recovered from a knee injury. Paul says that everyone is looking forward to the action starting. ‘’We’ve had two weeks’ hard running, and we played a practice game among ourselves on Saturday, but there’s nothing like the real thing and although we have to treat the game as a practice session we’re also looking to start with a good result.’’ Croydon Athletic are looking to mount a promotion challenge from Division One South of the Ryman League, and could include several former Sutton youngsters in their line-up including the 2006 Young Player of the Year Luke Adams, Richard Blackwell, Graham Tydeman and Sam Clayton, who has recently joined from Whyteleafe. The ground, which backs on to Croydon Crematorium,is reached down a track at the end of Mayfield Road in Thornton Heath – turn off the A23 Thornton Road in to Silverleigh Road, the 7th road turning on the left if travelling from the Purley Way direction, bear left in to Trafford Road and then continue in to Mayfield Road. There are no nearby railway stations, but bus 289, which can be caught from Waddon (travelling towards Elmers End) or West Croydon (travelling towards Purley), goes along Thornton Road past the end of Silvereigh Road.